France Ligue 1 – Bastia v Montpellier Preview (19/11/16)

Bastia preview

A run of 4 losses in 5 games has put Bastia just one point above the relegation zone and under some pressure. Not a lot of things have been going their way recently.

The Corsicans have injuries and suspensions right across the board. The most notable absences are goalkeeper JL Leca, midfielder Yannick Cahuzac & centre back Sebastian Squillaci. The overall squad depth is being tested to the full though today.

Bastia are known for home strength. They are so good in front of their own fans and can never be underestimated here. However, SCB have already suffered 2 losses out of 6 at Le Stade Furiani this season.

Montpellier preview

An excellent 3-1 win against Marseille just before the international break has given them some breathing space on the relegation zone. MHSC have only lost 1 of their last 5 games.

The visitors have had a number of injury and suspension problems recently, but the situation is improving. Only midfielder Yacouba Sylla and striker Casimir Ninga are ruled out, the latter for the whole season.

No team has conceded more goals than Montpellier (26) but nobody outside of the top four places has scored more goals than them either, netting 19 times.

Conclusion & betting analysis

There is quite a strong rivalry between the two teams, it’s a Mediterranean derby and I expect a spicy encounter full of passion and commitment.

Montpellier coach Frederic Hantz is suspended and he returns to the club where he is considered a hero and legend. It will be an emotional match for him.

Montpellier have been a huge over team in recent weeks with all of their last five matches going well over the 2.5 mark. However, they face a Bastia team who aren’t known for being involved in many classics.

Montpellier have the edge in terms of team news and form. However, the away team doesn’t have a great record in this fixture and it’s never a great idea to bet against Bastia at the Furiani.

Despite the low scoring nature of a lot of Bastia games, over 2 goals @ around the 1.85 mark has tempted me in. Montpellier fixtures are so open that I will risk backing this bet. It’s a slight gamble but unless something dramatically changes there should hopefully be at least a couple of goals here.